Increased use plant extracts since AGP-ban

Since the January 2006 EU ban on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in animal
feeds, the use of plant extracts and essential oils ('extracts') as
AGP-alternatives has risen from an EU average 55% in 2005 to 70% in poultry
feeds and 80% in pig feeds. Outside the EU, the corresponding usage now is 61%
in poultry and 24% in pigs.

The figures come from a survey of 94 feed manufacturers in 13 countries,
seven in the EU and six non-EU, carried out by the specialist ingredients
manufacturer Pancosma. It found 76% of participants said they believed extracts
would become more important in the future.

Pig dietsIn pig
diets, the use of extracts is on a par with organic acids and significantly
higher than pre- and probiotics. Of manufacturers including extracts in pig
feeds, 94% use them for weaners, 72% growers, 67% finishers and 59% for
sows.

Broiler feedIn broiler feeds, extracts outrank all other
AGP-replacers, while in other poultry feeds they are a close second to organic
acids. Of all manufacturers using extracts in poultry feeds, 92% use them for
broilers, 42% layers, 32% turkeys and 30% for breeders.